Happy birthday to award-winning producer
By Kirra Livingstone
MALENY Cheese, nestled in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland, proudly celebrates its 21st birthday this month.
Founders Sara and Markus Bucher (pictured right) brought their shared passion for exceptional dairy products to life on April 10, 2004, when they opened their doors – including a café – to the public with a vision to connect customers directly with the origins of their food.
From an early age, Markus was inspired by the rich traditions of European cheesemaking.
His formative years in Switzerland instilled in him a deep respect for artisanal methods, a passion that later saw him qualify as a Master Cheesemaker.
After moving to Australia, he further refined his expertise by earning a postgraduate qualification in Dairy Technology, blending time-honoured techniques with modern innovation to create a range of award-winning cheeses and yoghurts.
At its heart, Maleny Cheese is more than just a dairy producer—it’s a vibrant café experience that celebrates local produce and community spirit.
“It was part of our dream to connect our products with customers through a café experience,” Sara explained.
The Buchers’ commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every aspect of their business, from their house-made milkshakes and coffees crafted with pasteurised milk from nearby farms, to their collaborations with renowned local producers.
This dedication has helped forge a connection with the community, ensuring that a visit to the café is a celebration of both culinary excellence and regional pride.
The Buchers opened Maleny Cheese during a period of dairy deregulation and later acquired Obi Obi Dairy to secure a future milk supply for local dairy producers.
After 21 years, Sara said she and Markus are optimistic about the future.
“We are feeling young at heart and still very excited about our products and connecting with our people and community,” she said.
Sara also expressed gratitude to the loyal customers who continue to support Maleny Cheese after so many years.
“We appreciate you continuing to share this hidden secret with your friends and family and doing your bit to sustain our local presence and the future of the dairy industry,” she said.
Sara added that the Maleny Cheese Café is a popular destination for visitors eager to experience its range of delicious dairy products.
“People travel from all over Australia to have an authentic dairy experience at the Maleny Cheese Café,” she said.
“Not only do we produce a range of cheeses on site, we also produce a variety of award-winning yoghurts.
“We are also renowned for our house-made milkshakes and coffees, which are made with our own pasteurised milk, direct from our Sunshine Coast farms.”
Sara said the business also takes pride in showcasing other local hinterland brands in its café.
“To complement our products, we offer a range of foods and merchandise that highlight the region’s dairy industry, including products from renowned local businesses such as Woombye Cheese, Maleny Dairies, and Maleny Food Co.,” she said.
“Supporting local is at the heart of Maleny Cheese, and our menu and retail offerings feature many local producers, including Maleny Food Co Gelato, Nutworks Macadamias, Sunshine Brewery Beers, Maleny Dairies Cream, and Hum Honey.”
The café employs eight local staff members, and Sara said a highlight over the years has been the team’s ability to bounce back.
“The resilience of our team through fire, drought, and flood, and their passion and commitment to serving our community with award-winning products of excellence is something we are extremely proud of,” she said.
If you’re thinking about visiting the Maleny Cheese Café, Sara recommends a range of signature dishes including their signature baked Brie, Raclette (a traditional Swiss dish comprising raclette cheese and hot potatoes), and a range of cheese boards served with condiments from the region.
The Maleny Cheese Café
1 Clifford Street, Balmoral Ridge.
Open Monday to Sunday 10am-3pm.
Full café menu Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 2.30pm.